Research Landscape of South Africa: Current Trends in Research Output, Thematic Focus and Scientific Partnerships

Ch. 6. P. 75–114.

Saritas O., Kotsemir M.

This chapter conducts a comprehensive analysis of the research landscape in South Africa, focusing on various aspects such as the country’s publication activity, contribution to global knowledge generation, thematic structure of publications, scientific specializations, article quality measured by citation indicators and international research collaboration profiles. The analysis utilizes the Scopus database, employing a range of bibliometric indicators to examine key trends in South Africa’s research development. The findings are presented in terms of publication activity, thematic structure, citation impact and international collaboration, providing insights into South Africa’s position in the global research landscape. Additionally, the chapter compares these findings with the priorities identified in the “South Africa Science and Technology Foresight for 2030”, highlighting matches and mismatches between scientific capacity and strategic priorities. The information presented is crucial for developing strategies to support critical science and technology areas, aligning them with the country’s vision for 2030. The methodology involves deriving key indicators from the Scopus database and UNESCO Institute of Statistic and OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators databases, offering a detailed examination of South Africa’s research landscape and its relative position in global research and development.

Keywords: scientometrics, bibliometric analysis, South Africa

Publication based on the results of: Identification of technology priorities in the time of world disorder (2024)

In book

21st Century Foresight: Shaping the Future for Sustainable Social, Economic and Environmental Development in South Africa

Cham: Springer, 2024.